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Winemaker's Notes:

Established in 1876, Beringer has a history of exploring the unique characteristics of fruit from its Napa Valley estate vineyards. Since 1977, winemaker Edward Sbragia has combined Cabernet Sauvignon from a handful of these select vineyards with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot to make his Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. When one varietal in one vineyard produces outstanding results, Sbragia chooses to bottle it separately.
The Beringer’s northernmost Chardonnay vineyards, Gamble Ranch, Big Ranch Road and Yountville Vineyard, are located around the town of Yountville, where daytime temperatures slowly climb as the cooling morning fog recedes south to San Pablo Bay. This significant diurnal shift allows the grapes to maintain their acidity, which is essential to balancing the ripe, rich flavors they develop during warm afternoons. As harvest approached, Winemaster Ed Sbragia together with Winemaker Laurie Hook worked closely with vineyard manager Jim Frisinger to identify the blocks and rows that had reserve potential.
Chardonnay Private Reserve reveals notions of hazelnuts intermixed with honeyed pineapple, poached pears, and toasty oak. Well-made with good acidity, beautiful richness, and a vibrant, long finish, it should drink well for 4-5 years.

It is impossible to take Beringer’s long history lightly. With their 215 acre plot of land purchased in 1875 and the winery founded in 1876, Jacob and Frederick Beringer’s winery is the oldest continually operating winery in Napa Valley. In 2001, it was named a historic district in the National Register for Historic Places. Current winemaker Laurie Hook and winemaster Ed ... Read more

It is impossible to take Beringer’s long history lightly. With their 215 acre plot of land purchased in 1875 and the winery founded in 1876, Jacob and Frederick Beringer’s winery is the oldest continually operating winery in Napa Valley. In 2001, it was named a historic district in the National Register for Historic Places. Current winemaker Laurie Hook and winemaster Ed Sbragia continue to draw from over a dozen vineyards to create world-class wines from varying soil compositions and climates.
The winery managed to survive, and even thrive, during Prohibition by selling sacramental wines with a federal license. Since the wine was being made for religious purposes, it was legal!
A unique aspect of Beringer is the tunnel system that was carved into the side of Spring Mountain around 1880. Chinese immigrant workers, the same workers that helped build the Trans-Continental Railroad, spent years hand-chiseling the 1,200 feet of tunnels. To this day, the tunnels act as a natural insulator, keeping the temperature between 58 and 60 degrees year-round, ideal for storing wine.
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Established in 1876, Beringer has a history of exploring the unique characteristics of fruit from its Napa Valley estate vineyards. Since 1977, winemaker Edward Sbragia has combined Cabernet Sauvignon from a handful of these select vineyards with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot to make his Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. When one varietal in one vineyard produces outstanding results, Sbragia chooses to bottle it separately.
The Beringer’s northernmost Chardonnay vineyards, Gamble Ranch, Big Ranch Road and Yountville Vineyard, are located around the town of Yountville, where daytime temperatures slowly climb as the cooling morning fog recedes south to San Pablo Bay. This significant diurnal shift allows the grapes to maintain their acidity, which is essential to balancing the ripe, rich flavors they develop during warm afternoons. As harvest approached, Winemaster Ed Sbragia together with Winemaker Laurie Hook worked closely with vineyard manager Jim Frisinger to identify the blocks and rows that had reserve potential.
Chardonnay Private Reserve reveals notions of hazelnuts intermixed with honeyed pineapple, poached pears, and toasty oak. Well-made with good acidity, beautiful richness, and a vibrant, long finish, it should drink well for 4-5 years.